Exploring the Energy and Carbon Literacy Structure for Hospitality and Tourism Practitioners: Evidence from Hotel Employees in Taiwan

Abstract

This study identifies and examines the components and the structure of energy and carbon literacy for hospitality and tourism practitioners. A questionnaire survey was administered to collect data from a sample of hotel employees in Taiwan, and 369 valid questionnaires were obtained for data analysis. The research findings demonstrate that hotel employees overall display appropriate energy and carbon literacy. Among the three dimensions of the literacy structure, perceived knowledge of energy conservation and carbon reduction (ECCR) positively influences associated attitudes and behavior. Additionally, ECCR attitudes significantly mediate the relationship between ECCR knowledge and behavior. This suggests that managers should initially provide an eco-friendly workplace and motivated strategies to raise employees' environmental awareness and sensitivity in order to enhance their ECCR intentions and associated behavior. Finally, this study highlights how managers can contribute to the environment through improving the energy and carbon literacy of employees.

Key words:

• energy and carbon literacy
• energy conservation
• carbon reduction
• environmental behavior
• hospitality and tourism industry

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank two anonymous reviewers for useful suggestions and the National Science Council of Taiwan for financial support (Grant number: NSC99-3113-S-237-002-).